Balmex Uses

Balmex is approved for the treatment and prevention of diaper rash. The ointment from this line of products is also commonly used for protecting minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Healthcare providers may occasionally recommend off-label uses of Balmex as well. Using the cream for skin rashes or irritations (other than diaper rash) would be considered an off-label use.

Interested in a Discount on Balmex?

Our free DiscountRx savings card can help you and your family save money on your prescriptions. This card is accepted at all major chain pharmacies, nationwide. Enter your name and email address to receive your free savings card.

Enter Your Name

Enter Your Email Address

Our free DiscountRx savings card can help you and your family save money on your prescriptions. This card is accepted at all major chain pharmacies, nationwide. Enter your name and email address to receive your free savings card.

What Is Balmex Used For?

All Balmex® products are approved for treating and preventing diaper rash. Additionally, Balmex Multi-Purpose Healing Ointment is also approved for protecting minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, and Balmex Protection Powder is also approved for protection from wetness (like most baby powder products).

Balmex Multi-Purpose Healing Ointment should not be used on puncture wounds, deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.

Balmex and Diaper Rashes

Diaper rash is a common problem, with almost all babies having diaper rash at least occasionally. Even if you are very careful to change your baby's diapers frequently, moisture will still be in contact with your baby's skin for some period of time. This moistness, combined with irritation from urine or stool, irritating lotions or soaps, and chafing from clothing or diapers, can quickly lead to a diaper rash.

Usually, it is recommended to treat diaper rash by trying to keep your baby's skin clean and dry, with frequent diaper changes and as much "airing out" time as possible. Additionally, barrier products (like Balmex) are also very helpful for both preventing and treating diaper rash.

How Does Balmex Work?

Zinc oxide is an active ingredient in the diaper rash cream and powder. When applied to the skin, it acts as a barrier, helping to protect the skin from irritants and serving as a mild astringent (helping to dry oozing of minor irritation) and a weak antiseptic. White petrolatum (the active ingredient in Balmex Multi-Purpose Healing Ointment) also serves to form a protective barrier on the skin.

Cornstarch (in the powder) works by helping to reduce friction and absorb moisture. Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that cornstarch does not make yeast diaper rash worse.

All three Balmex products have inactive ingredients that are intended to promote healing, soothe the skin, and neutralize the irritants in dirty diapers.

eMedTV serves only as an informational resource. This site does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind.
Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician. Click
Terms of Use for more information.

You've chosen to add topics from the topic group to your selected topics.

Are you sure you want to add all of these topics?

Are You Sure?

You've chosen to clear all of your selected topics. Remember, you need at least one selected topic to use HealthSavvy. If you choose this option, it cannot be undone, and you'll need to choose at least new topic to continue using your HealthSavvy programs.